In 2019, I visited Iloilo-Guimaras and later went to Iloilo-Bacolod the same year. Looking back on these trips five years later, I noticed a change in how I approach travel.
Before, I used to pack my days with activities, always rushing from one place to another. If you’ve followed my adventures since 2019, you’d see how busy my schedule was. But now, I’ve matured. I’ve come to realize the importance of setting clear goals before traveling.
On this recent trip, my main goal was simply to relax and explore some notable spots in Iloilo and Bacolod, without feeling pressured to see everything. Instead of rushing, my companion and I decided to savor each moment, immersing ourselves in the local culture by visiting markets and taking our time to appreciate the surroundings. Sometimes, I just enjoyed observing people passing by.
Miagao Church in Iloilo – February 2024 – In 2019, I visited this church because I’ve heard so much features and stories about it. I am still amazed on how this church stands tall.
Let me tell you about our first day in Iloilo. Our flight was initially scheduled for 5:55 am but got pushed to 8:55 am. We arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 7:00 am, as locals are accustomed to arriving early at the airport. After grabbing a meal at McDonald’s, we headed to the terminal and waited there, passing the time with some iPad doodling. Here’s a sample of what I drew while waiting for our flight.
I am not an artist, really. But I drew this while waiting for our flight. Hope this looks good! Hehe!
The flight to Iloilo took over an hour. Upon arrival, we took a van to SM Iloilo, where we had lunch at Ted’s. Then, we inquired about getting to Garin Farm and made our way to the terminal to catch a mini-bus to Muhon Terminal.
The transportation system in Iloilo impressed me. The buses and drivers were organized, dropping passengers off at proper stops and issuing receipts, reminiscent of the modernized jeepneys proposed for Manila. However, I do worry about the impact on traditional jeepney drivers.
These are some of my favorite views in Garin Farm. Garin Farm, being called farm, needs renovation. Some animals here are so thin and food-deprived. I just hope they get the food they deserve. 🙁
At Muhon Terminal, we boarded a mini-bus bound for San Joaquin and got off near Garin Farm, taking a tricycle to the entrance. Though I’d been to Garin before, I’d never climbed the stairs to the top. The hike was exhausting, but the view made it worthwhile.
After exploring Garin Farm, we caught a bus to Miagao Church, one of my favorites due to its beauty and history. Then, we visited Molo Plaza, taking in the sights and enjoying street food.
Our second day in Iloilo started late with a hearty breakfast of La Paz Batchoy at La Paz Public Market. Then, we visited Jaro Cathedral before heading to the pier for our journey to Bacolod.
From L-R – 1) Barbecue during Bacolodiat Festival, 2) Calea cake and coffee 3) La Paz Batchoy 4) Puto at La Paz Iloilo
In Bacolod, we checked into our hostel and indulged in Bacolod Inasal and cake from Calea for lunch. Afterward, we visited The Ruins, easily accessible via Grab. We were fortunate to experience the Bacolodiat Festival, enjoying street food and walking along Lacson Avenue.
My favorite spots in Bacolod From L-R 1) Bell of San Sebastian Cathedral 2) San Sabastian Cathedral 3) Bacolodiat Festival 4) The Ruins
On our last day, we savored the breakfast buffet at Seda Hotel before heading to the airport. Through my travels, I’ve learned to prioritize relaxation and enjoying each destination, rather than rushing to tick off tourist spots. Traveling, to me, is about finding peace and rejuvenation.
As someone who works from home, there are times that I desire to work in a different place.
Since the pandemic, there are already lots of coffee shop that popped in Taytay. For me, a good coffee shop must have quality and consistent coffee, perfect ambiance, and great customer service experience. Most importantly work-friendly.
Here are the best coffee shops in Taytay, Rizal where I usually work.
Sihia Cafe
Sihia Cafe is located at Palmera Hills I in Taytay, Rizal. It features lots of dried flowers, hanging plants, and cute mix of wooden furnitures in their second floor. The name Sihia is derived from the three names of the owners. They are all students when they first established their coffee shop and they are so kind and approachable. My favorite drink is Mocha btw. I love how their cutie coffee shop near our place eventually grew bigger and better in Palmera Hills.
La Leonardo’s
Leonardo’s is near Telahan sa Plaza, Taytay, Rizal. What’s WFH for me without going to Leonardo’s? Leonardo’s has a Paris theme where they feature artsy and aesthetic visuals. I love how their wifi is so consistent and strong. I can even conduct classes their via MS Teams. Aside from that, their place is so chill and cool. Well-ventilated. Chairs are comfy. The crowd (whenever I go there) is usually quiet. The owner and the baristas are so approachable too. There’s a plug and a toilet as well. Everything you need from a cafe is there. (Photos are from their Facebook page.)
Created with RNI Films app. Profile ‘Kodak E 200’Created with RNI Films app. Profile ‘Kodachrome Generic v.4’
8/0 Coffee
8/0 coffee shop is 2,000-walk away from us and this is my go-to shop whenever I need strong internet, plug, and affordable coffee and pastries. This shop is in Greenwoods Executive Village (Taytay, Rizal).
I love its location and its ambiance. But what I love most is that it opens as early as 7:00am. Perfect for people who love to work in the morning. I highly recommend this to those who are near the village. It is commuter-friendly as well. So anyone coming from Taytay may consider going here.
(I don’t have very instagrammable photos here because I usually just work during my visit. But these photos are from their Facebook page.)
And that’s it. I will not gatekeep my favorite coffee shops in Taytay, Rizal. If you happen to visit Taytay, or Taytay Tiangge, I hope you could give these shops a try. All of these are just one tricycle away from Tiangge or Grab.
My first international trip was in Taiwan. Since then, I was so excited to go out of the country whenever I can. I have been wanting to visit Singapore ever since someone asked me if I have been there because everyone has a story in Singapore. I wasn’t offended when that person asked me but I felt more challenged to really visit Singapore if my budget permits. Now that I have spare budget for this kind of trip, I am so happy and excited to embark on this Singapore journey.
Singapore, also referred to as the Lion City, is a place that offers a blend of modernity, history, and culture. Our 5-day trip in this city gave us unforgettable memories and appreciation for its unique attractions. Here’s what we did before, and during the trip.
Pre-departure Preparations:
We booked our flight via Cebu Pacific. Our fare cost 9,000+ per head. Then, our accommodation was in Ibis Budget Singapore Sapphire in Geylang Road. This cost us 18,000 for four nights. This was the cheapest accommodation we saw on Agoda, and for me this was within our budget. In addition, we also booked our Universal Studios Singapore tickets via Klook. We bought the tickets for the Cable Car from Harbour Front to Sentosa Island in the station. We also purchased the Marina Bay Gardens ticket in their booth in Singapore. That was around SGD 53.00 including the mini-shuttle.
Day 1: Arrival in the Lion City
Upon our arrival in Singapore, I was so amazed with their system. Our fifteen walk from the plane to the automated immigration was so smooth. Since it was automated, there was no need to face the immigration officers. Then, from Singapore Airport Terminal 4 to our accommodation hotel, we only spent around PHP 200 per head. We rode MRT and SG Bus going there. We were immediately struck by the city’s cleanliness and efficiency.
We checked into our accommodation, Ibis Budget Singapore Sapphire. With just a few hours to spare, we wandered around our neighborhood and went to Mong Kok Dim Sum and had our dinner there.
Day 2: Universal Studios Singapore
Our second day was packed with excitement as we visited Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island. It was quite challenging to navigate the way going there. From Geylang Road, we road a bus, and went to Harbour Front where we bought our cable car tickets. Then, upon reaching the Sentosa station, we were mesmerized on how everything we saw there.
We walked going to the Sentosa monorail station. Then, we got off the Resorts World Station. From there, we walked to the Universal Studios Singapore.
From the amazing rides to beloved movie-themed attractions, we had a blast exploring this world-class theme park. The highlight was the Transformer Rides and the Battle Star Galactica. We just had a problem when we were getting our stuff from the locker. Good thing that the local staff helped us solve this cute dilemma.
We rode the cable car again going back to the main island. Then, we rode the bus again and looked for a place to eat. We decided to eat at Craig Road and we visited the Littered with Books shop nearby. And, surprisingly, my boyfriend gave me a ring. 🙂
Day 3: A Day of Culture and Shopping
Day 3 was dedicated to immersing ourselves in Singapore’s rich culture. We began with a hearty breakfast at Toast Box in Funan, enjoying traditional kaya toast and a cup of aromatic kopi.
We went to Ion Orchard’s 53rd Floor where we savored coffee and pastries while enjoying the view with our friends. Next, we indulged our inner bookworms at Kinokuniya Bookstore, a paradise for literature enthusiasts. The towering shelves filled with books in various languages left us in awe. I couldn’t resist bringing home a few treasures. I bought a book written by a popular writer based in Singapore. Our cultural journey continued at the National Gallery of Singapore, where we marveled at a vast collection of Asian and Southeast Asian art.
In the evening, we made our way to the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, where we took in the breathtaking city views from the SkyPark. The evening skyline, punctuated by the vibrant Gardens by the Bay, was a sight to behold.
Day 4: Culinary Adventures and Natural Wonders
Our culinary journey took us to Lau Pa Sat, a bustling hawker center where we sampled a wide array of Singaporean dishes. From satay skewers to Hainanese chicken rice, our taste buds were in for a treat. The meals there were affordable. There were lots of variety and the location was just in the middle of their business district. I love the kopi I ordered as it was so amazing to witness how this coffee is prepared. I love their noodles, too. It is not that salty and the flavor is just right for me.
After having our lunch, we explored the futuristic wonderland of Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome were truly a marvel of horticultural design. Everything I saw here was so cool and magnificent. I could just stare at them forever.
Our adventure continued with a visit to Haji Lane, a vibrant and artistic alley filled with colorful street art and boutique shops. The narrow lanes and artistic atmosphere made it an Instagram-worthy location. The day ended at Bugis Junction where I bought some souvenirs for my friends.
Day 5: A Glimpse of History and Farewell
On our final day, we started with a visit to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, a historic and serene place of worship in the heart of the city. Its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance provided a moment of reflection. This was the only Catholic church nearby so we took the opportunity to pray in the church and passed by their adoration chapel. And guess what, their church has an elevator.
We had our lunch at Raffles City. Then, we rode the train at the City Hall Station and headed to Changi Terminal 2 so we could visit The Jewel. We were so amazed by the structure and everything we saw there. Everything was just so beautiful. We rode a shuttle bus from Terminal 2 to Terminal 4. There was also an option of riding a monorail going to Terminal 4. Everything was so convenient. Though, somehow, everything was pricey though. Here are some pictures at their airport.
As the sun set on our incredible Singapore adventure, we collected our memories, packed our bags, and bid farewell to the Lion City. Singapore’s unique blend of modernity, culture, and natural beauty had left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Our 5-day journey through Singapore was definitely an unforgettable experience. From the thrills of Universal Studios to the tranquility of Gardens by the Bay, and the cultural exploration of Orchard ION Mall, each day was filled with exciting discoveries.
Singapore, with its diverse attractions, is a destination worth exploring. Until next time, Lion City!
After going to different beaches in the Philippines, I must say that Boracay has the best beach. It was in August 2023 when we went there. Boracay has a timeless beauty that couldn’t be compared to other beaches. Philippine beaches are all beautiful, but again, Boracay is so unique for me. Sobrang gandaaaa!
Pagkahawak ko pa lang ng buhangin, sabi ko talaga sa sarili ko, ito na (so far) ‘yung best buhangin ever. Even the water, so refreshing.
What I love most about Boracay is its pristine beaches. The picture below is one of the beaches we visited during the island hopping tour. We went to four different areas during the tour. This is the best part for me.
Aside from island hopping, we tried the famous Coco Mama dessert in Boracay. It is so masarap and everything just perfectly melts into your mouth. We also went to a coffee shop and tried their Americano coffee and some cake pops for dessert. Mang Inasal and Peri-Peri were part of our meals, too.
For me, Boracay is a place for rest, beginnings, and new adventures. It offers a world away from the city. With the big number of foreign tourists flocking here, sometimes it brings you to another place as well. During our short trip, we saw different nationalities. Hearing different language somehow makes me feel I am in another country.
This trip is indeed a rest for me. After my three-week World Youth Day trip, I really enjoyed swimming and staring at the beach. It gives me comfort and assurance that every long tiring day comes a good kind of rest.
I hope you find time to rest too. The more we work, the more we need to rest as well.
Tavira, Algarve, was the first place we visited upon reaching Portugal for the recently held World Youth Day 2023. I already posted a separate post about my experience about this. (I hope you can read it!)
This post is about how enchanted and amazed I was with Tavira, Algarve. This place combines history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
When I first stepped on Tavira, I felt like I was transported to another town. The town was able to preserve its architecture through its cobblestone streets, and traditional white-washed buildings. It truly represented its rich history. When I carried my heavy luggages on its streets, I felt tired, but relieved knowing that I finally had stepped into a postcard from the past.
During our first night in Tavira, we were allowed by our group leaders to look for a place to eat. There were lot of options to choose from. Tavira’s culinary scene is a delightful surprise. There were seafood, and the traditional Portuguese dishes. My small group decided to eat pizza and to drink coffee since we did not feel that hungry yet.
One of the most unique aspects of Tavira is the Roman Bridge. This bridge looks so romantic and charming day and night. We spent some hours strolling here whenever we go the some churches for our activity.
We stayed in Tavira for a week. This was the location for our Days in the Diocese. Our second home there was inside the gymnasium of a school. We utilized the bathroom that the students usually used when there were classes.
The locals usually rest from 12:00 to 14:30. There was a time when our group rode a ferry ride and went to Ilha de Tavira. This is a paradise for beach bums. Since it was summer when we went there, it was so hot. But, the ocean near the island was the opposite. My co-pilgrims enjoyed their swim at the Atlantic Ocean, while I preferred chatting with some of my groupmates.
The locals are definitely welcoming and friendly. We even met a Filipino family in Tavira who treated us a family, too.
In conclusion, Tavira, Algarve, is a destination that left me awe-inspired. It’s a town where history, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly blend, offering a unique travel experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a beach lover, or simply someone seeking a tranquil escape, Tavira has something for everyone.
Coron, Palawan is such a magnificent location where you can spend your weekend. With its pristine beaches, lakes, and delectable food , Coron should be one of your dream destinations.
In this post, I’ll share a practical and affordable itinerary in Coron, Palawan.
Please note that this itinerary is slow-paced with productive rest in between. My goal in this trip is to rest because our school had a term break. I think I deserve this trip. You deserve this trip, too, so keep reading!
How much is the plane ticket to Coron, Palawan?
I was able to book an affordable ticket going to Coron because of Cebu Pacific‘s promo, CebPass. This ticket only cost us 2,000, round trip.
If there is no seat sale available, Cebu Pacific usually offers flight going to Coron, Palawan for 4,000php-9,000php. You can also book a flight via Philippine Airlines.
What to do in Coron, Palawan?
Our main reason for this trip is to rest, and spend some valuable time outdoors. Secondarily, my goal for this trip is to visit the lakes, trysnorkelling, and eat seafood. You may try a lot of water-related activities in this place. From scuba diving, to kayak riding, there are lots of activities you may choose from.
Here’s my Coron Itinerary for 3 Days and 2 Nights.
Day 1
8:35am-9:30am: Arrival. Our flight was 1 hour and 15 minutes. I included here our waiting time and some delays in the airport.
9:30am-10:20am: Travel to Busuanga City. We were fetched by a representative from our accommodation in Coron. We stayed in Ahra’s Place. This accommodation was only 1,000php per night. They have complete amenities, accommodating staff, and free breakfast. Aircon and wifi are also available. Very affordable and practical choice, indeed. Highly recommended.
10:20am-4:00pm: After we dropped our bags in Ahra’s Place, we headed to our first destination. Our accommodation scheduled a boat trip for us, too. This trip started at 10:20am and ended at 4:00pm.
Package B included the following attractions:
Barracuda Lake – This was one of the best lakes I’ve seen in my life so far. The water is so clean and clear. It’s really deep. We enjoyed this place.
Snorkeling – We enjoyed this part, too. However, winds and waves were quite challenging to endure. We had to go back to the boat after five minutes of looking at the corals, and fish.
Smith Beach – We had our lunch our. Before we leave the main island, we bought fresh fish, and shrimps in the wet market. One of our tour guides prepared our meal while we were relaxing at the Barracuda Lake.
Our lunch was sumptuous. It was cooked with love. I admired how our tour guide added final toppings to the fish he grilled.
After eating our lunch, we headed to Twin Lakes. I must say our kayak rental was worth the penny. We enjoyed paddling the boat, though that was a tough activity. It was difficult to maneuver. There were boats, and people that we needed to deal with. Luckily, we survived this kayak experience.
We loved the view, the scenery, and everything we saw there.
Our Day 1 ended with a quick dinner at Mcdonald’s near Ahra’s. We laso had coffee at Sharky’s newly-opened coffee shop. This coffee shop was new yet the taste of their mocha latte wasn’t disappointing. I love how they served their guests, too.
Here’s our Day 2 itinerary in Coron.
8:30am-5:00pm We were fetched at Ahra’s at 8:00am. This was Package A of the usual Coron Island Hopping Trip. This is 1,000php per head. You’d like this trip if you love lakes, and snorkelling. This was one of the best trips I had so far.
Kayangan Lake. After our usual swimming and snorkelling, the best part of this trip was our Kayangan Lake swimming. We had to do some hiking. That was about 700 steps before we reach this destination.
I was so speechless seeing Kayangan Lake’s beauty. This lake reminded me how God loves us so much that he created nature to embrace us. I’d like to bring Kayangan Lake home. Haha.
Package A ended at 5:00pm. We just rested after this trip. Our dinner was in Calle Real, which can be found in Real Street. We had chicken and rice for dinner. Then, we headed to Epic Cafe. According to Google, this is a must-visit cafe in Coron. We tried their coffee and cake. It was good.
We walked going to St. Augustine Church, before we rode a tricycle going home. Our day ended well. We rested after dinner.
Day 3 Coron, Palawan
For our third day, we didn’t do that much. We had our free breakfast from Ahra’s at 7:00am. We looked how sky was so clear and blue that time. Then, at 10:00am, we went out again for early lunch and quick coffee hunting.
We ate at a local carinderia. This was the cheapest meal we ever had. 180php for sinigang, ginataang kalabasa, rice, and two bottled waters.
After this, we headed to Le Voyage Cafe. We ate crepe and drank coffee in this newly-built coffee shop. The ate in this store talked a little bit about Coron. She said that she’s a native and she’s been working in Coron for twelve years. She even served BTS in La Serenatta. She’s new in this cafe, too. Unfortunately, ate told us that she got laid off when that restaurant closed during the pandemic.
At 1:00pm, we were fetched by the van going to the airport. Our flight was 3:35pm, and we arrived in NAIA 4 at around 6:00pm.
How much should be your budget for your Coron trip?
This is our budget for this trip. I hope this helps.
Dinner – 300php – 400php It depends on your appetite. Usual range is 350php/meal.
Cafe – 150php – 200php per cup. It depends.
Transportation – We usually ride in tricycle to go from one place to another. If you love walking, you may do that, too.
Pasalubong – We bought dried fish for 150php per pack.
Conclusion:
Since I’ve been to Puerto Princesa before, I must say that Palawan is a must-see destination for all. This island welcomes all tourists and guests. It gives warmth, comfort, and relaxation without the need to spend that much.
Maybe, this will be my last out-of-town trip for the year. I need to save bucks for my big event next year.
I hope this blog helps. Enjoy and keep safe always.
The last time I had a long vacation was in La Union. It was in December 2021. After that, I didn’t have enough time to go out of town again. This year started with a lot of deadlines for work, graduate school, personal life, and other hustles. No complaints. It was a ‘happy pagod.’
I intentionally did not book any long weekend trip because it wasn’t in my priority (source: my 2022 Planner). Hence, this Bohol trip was actually a graduation gift and birthday celebration at the same time. It was a reward for all the struggles, adjustments, and other trials I’ve overcome for the past months this year.
Day 1 – Chocolate hills and everything in between
We left Manila at 7:00am. It was one of the earliest flight. We arrived in Bohol after one hour. Then, upon arriving in Panglao International Airport, we were greeted with buses, and private cars offering their services. What we chose was the bus ride instead. We decided that for the first day, we’ll do mostly tourist-y things.
The travel time from Panglao International Airport to Tagbilaran City was about thirty minutes. We reached the bus station. In front of that was the Island City Mall. We ate our breakfast there. I didn’t have any booked tours yet so I looked on Facebook and sent a message to a Facebook page. We hired a driver/tourist guide for 2,900php.
We went first to Chocolate Hills. It was a bit rainy but it was a fun experience. We took the usual photos like what the usual tourists would do.
Chocolate Hills on a rainy morningYour usual touristy post at Chocolate Hills
After Chocolate Hills, we headed to Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. Another tourist spot in Bohol. We saw some tarsiers which reminded us of our shih tzu, Tyni.
Sorry for waking you up, Tarsier.
Then, we went to man-made forest.
Our tour guide said that the trees here were planted by some boy scouts who were assigned here.
After some time in this forest, we ate lunch at Loboc River. There were lots of foreigners here. This was one of my dream destinations. Now it finally happened. Thank You, Lord.
Loboc river after rain
Day 2 – Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
We woke up a bit late. We took our time because we both agreed that this trip would be a slow travel. Slow yet relaxed. If you’ve been reading my blog, you’d remember how enthusiastic I was before when it comes to ticking places to certain destinations. But now, I promised myself not to rush and take my time whenever traveling. So that’s what I did!
We took the van ride going to Loon. That was about 90 pesos fare. It was more than an hour trip going to Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol. The travel was worth it. We were able to see this church near the sea.
Front view of Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
The church was said to be built by corals. It was destroyed during the war, it was reconstructed by the National Museum later on. Luckily, we saw the sacristan mayor. We talked to him, and he toured us around the church. We even went up to the kampanaryo–which was so amusing. We were able to see century old bells. Bells that survived a war. Wow.
The altar of Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
We were able to see (close up!) some bells owned by the church.
One of the bells in Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
Aside from Miagao church in Iloilo, this was one of my favorite churches I’ve seen so far and I thank God to finally visit here.
Day 3 – Panglao, Bohol
After roaming around Loon and Tagbilaran City, we headed to our next destination which was Samadhi Resort Panglao. My friend recommended this place to us. Her recommendation is superb. This resort is so relaxing and great.
It was so relaxing that we didn’t spend time taking photos. We were mesmerized. Period.
It’s me trying to be instagrammable.
After leaving our places in Samadhi, we headed to Alona Beach. We stayed there for a while. Look at the view. Eat kwek-kwek and barbecue. We also had our dinner there. The view was so nice. However, we didn’t try the island hopping. Budget constraints!
We instead had a tour in Panglao. This cost 1,000php. Basically, we went to another church, a cave, and Bohol Bee Farm. Everything was so nice and worth-trying. Pictures were uploaded in Instagram instead. Hehe.
This is my favorite photo from this trip. Our third day in Bohol was the steadiest among my trips. We spent our time at the beach. We looked at the beautiful views. We had our dinner here. We get to listen to kids singing using their natural voice.
We basically just look at the horizons and wonder if God will allow us to travel more.
Our trip ended on a Sunday. We were happy. We were recharged.
I hope you, who’s reading this, will also find the rest and happiness you deserve.
If you need a place for good coffee and stunning view away from the city, you should visit Coffee Rush in Binangonan. It is situated on top of a hill in Rizal. You should visit this coffee shop in Rizal if you’re craving for coffee, pastries, and fresh air.
It’s me in my natural disposition.
I assume you have read my post about the best coffee shops in Rizal. I have to update this list because Coffee Rush is not yet included there.
I’ve first encountered Coffee Rush in their small kiosk in Eastwood, Quezon City. Ever since, I’ve been a fan of their Spanish Latte, whether it’s hot or iced. In QC, they also offer the popular strawberry cake from Baguio. As of this writing, that branch is already closed.
Maybe, they’ve closed that branch because of the bigger and wider branch in Rizal. It is near ArtSector Gallery and Chimney Cafe which is the first overlooking café in Eastridge. So, if you’ve been there, you already know how to go to Coffee Rush.
It is my second time to visit the place in Rizal before convincing myself to actually write a lengthy review about it. Here are the reasons why you should really go here.
1. I love their coffee. Love is an understatement to be honest. They offer unforgettable coffee lattes. I’ve tried their Mocha and Spanish Latte. Both are great.
2. You would love their pastries, too. It is mouth-watering. You would also great find lots of pastries that are not usually offered in other shops.
3. Their all-day breakfast are all yummy. From their sisig to bangus meals, their silog-like meals are something to try here.
4. They have invested on a spacious area. If you need to have your alone time, go here. If you need time to spend quality kwentuhan with your friends, bring them here, too.
5. I seldom write about coffee shops because I make sure that I have tried them before recommending. So, if you are still reading up to this part, please, try their coffee.
Aside from their food, you would also love the view. You would see Laguna Lake and the refreshing view of the countryside. The air is really fresh despite the number of private cars going. There is enough parking, by the way. You just need to keep your receipt and show it to the guard upon exit.
You can easily search their location on Waze. If you want to avoid lines and crowd, go there in the morning. If you want to enjoy the city lights, maybe spend more time lining up outside the shop before entering.
Here are some of my photos from the coffee shop. I am not a good photographer so I think my writing will suffice. Hehe. Also, it is my tenth year of somehow writing blogs. Happy to be consistently writing and updating here. I still have a lot of pending blogs about my recent coffee shop reviews.
Do you have other recommendations? Let me know in the chat box.
Squeezing a quick beach escapade was made possible through an invite from my college friend. Last December 11-12, 2021, we were able to go for a quick trip to La Union also known as Elyu with some friends.
We were picked up at Greenfield at 12:00AM by our service. We were joiners. There were also other passengers who were with us on this trip.
Day 1 – Tangadan Falls, Baluarte Bell Tower, and the Beach
We reached the North at around 7:00AM. We ate breakfast in acarinderia along the way. Look how sumptuous our breakfast was.
After having our breakfast, we headed to Tangadan Falls. We were transferred to a jeepney. It was a 30-minute ride, and a 10-minute walk going to the falls.
Tangadan Falls was one of the main destinations for this Elyu Trip. The water was cold, and the surrounding was indeed peaceful. You can feel the fresh air in this place.
We stayed there for two hours, before we headed to our next destination.
Our next stop was the side tours. This included the Baluarte Watch Tower. We also ate our lunch there. We passed by the Bahay na Bato and Namacpacan Church.
After our quick day trip, we headed to our hostel. We stayed in a hostel room in front of El Union Cafe. It was already coordinated by our tour guide.
After resting, we headed to have our merienda at San Juan Beach. No entrance fee. Here, you will see the majestic sunset.
I loved looking at the sunset while enjoying our barbecue, shake, and our alone time. My friends respected each other’s alone time here. We were never required to be with each other at all time. But, we made sure that our companion was safe all throughout the trip. We tried to go to Kabsat and the other popular go-to destinations in Elyu. However, one will lose patience on how long the line was. Anyway, our group was not a fan of drinks so it was just fine with us.
Day 2 – Elyu beach and Slowing down
We woke up early the next day. 7:00AM to be exact. After doing our personal morning routine and eating our breakfast provided by our tour guide, we went straight to the beach which was just near where we stayed.
We stayed in the beach until 10:00AM. Packed our bags. At 12:00NN, we were fetched by our tour guide. We were dropped at SM La Union while the others went to Thunderbird Resort. We were fetched (again) at 3:00PM. I would never rant how we waited for a very long time for this was one of the many consequences of being a joiner in a big group trip. We went straight to a temple.
After taking some photos here, we went to the grape farm. Here we tasted the wine.
We bought pasalubong along the way. We reached Starmall Mandaluyong at 10:00PM if I am not mistaken.
Lessons from Joining a Tour
I enjoyed the place itself. However, if you want a more peaceful trip, just rent a van and do things by yourself. For me, I only need to relax by the beach. Hence, some trips were unnecessary for me. But still, when I went there, I enjoyed.
Joining a group took too much of our time. We were fetched late by the service. Two hours late. When our co-joiners go to the washroom, and take photos, it also consumed time. When they were headed to another optional trip, much of our time were wasted.
This is just for me. Maybe, group tours work for some. 🙂 As for an introvert, DIY-ing is preferable. You’ll have better options as well in terms of hostel booking.
Please note that we followed all the requirements asked by the local government. We also are fully vaccinated when we proceeded to this trip.
Again, this was the only time we went out after being stuck at home for a long time.
Did you also go somewhere in 2021? Where are you planning to go next (once everything is okay)?
If you are looking for a coffee shop in Rizal in the time of pandemic, then you are reading the right blog. I am a Rizaleño since birth so I have been to different coffee shops in Rizal. There are lots of coffee shops not in the list. You may have seen them trended online on Facebook, but I won’t let the trend affect my personal bias.
I have listed my favorite coffee shops because I have personally went to their store/ordered from them online. These are the first shops that come to my mind whenever my friends ask me “Kim, anong magandang kapihan sa Rizal?”
I highly recommend these coffee shops if you are looking for some cozy vibes, chill place, and affordable meals. As of this writing, it is still pandemic. So, please, go out with precautions.
Are you ready? Here we go!
5. Trabi Cafe (Binangonan, Rizal)
I have written about Trabi even before they transferred to their new location. They are now located in Binangonan, Rizal. You can easily search them on Waze or on Google.
You will love their pasta, frappes, and fruit teas. There are books in their coffee shop. You can also work here silently because they have plugs and free wifi.
There are outdoor dining and they are open until 10pm, depending to the IATF rules.
This has the best homey vibes. It is situated in Brickroad Sta. Lucia, Cainta, Rizal. They have pleasing aesthetics and warm atmosphere. You will love their Filipino dishes paired with coffee or frappe.
They have also wifi and sockets just in case you need them. Only few people are eating here (in my experience) and most of them are studying I think. So, if you are looking for a quiet coffee shop, go here.
This one is in Antipolo, and no, it does not have that overlooking thing. What if offers is peace, comfort, and warmth. It has satisfying meals and drinks that you would never forget. You will love the vibes, and the paintings displayed here (with no additional cost or entrance). The shade.
You may also consider working here if needed. You can also have a group meeting here once the pandemic ends, hopefully.
I have been here before, and in 2021, it has never changed. The artsy feels and cozy vibes are still present. I still love their nachos, and coffee. Their coffee is something you’d like to drink for the rest of your life.
You can also eat rice meals, pasta, and snacks here. Good for family trips. Go give this a try!
1. Drip Kofi (Taytay, Rizal)
This coffee shop has helped me cope with pandemic. I saw them on Instagram. Through IG, I ordered Ca Phe Sua Da. And boom, it’s like a lifetime relationship with this coffee. It is indeed authentic Vietnamese coffee. It has been my go-to cafe whenever I go out.
You will love their coffee. Period. Also, they have a very friendly staff and the owner is really nice. Believe me when I say Drip Kofi in Taytay is really good. Hayyy! They have aesthetically-designed cute shop in Taytay, Rizal. They also have branches in Binangonan, Antipolo, and Rizal.
The photos are from not mine, they are from each coffee shop’s Facebook page.
Let us support local businesses. They are thriving this pandemic. Our support matters.
Do you have any recommended coffee shops in Rizal? Let me know in the comment section.
